Maikel Franco | Third Baseman

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Recent News

Maikel Franco hit .337/.344/.570 with four home runs over 22 games in the Dominican Winter League playoffs.

Franco also had a strong regular season for Gigantes del Cibao. He didn't do much last September with the Phillies, but the 22-year-old third base prospect has posted big-time slugging numbers at every level of the minors and could take on significant fantasy value at some point in 2015. Cody Asche is expected to open the year at the hot corner for Philly. Ryan Howard still has to be plugged in at first base. Jan 26 - 12:00 PM

Maikel Franco knocked in the winning run with an RBI single in the seventh inning against the Pirates on Tuesday, finishing 2-for-4 overall.

Franco doubled and scored in the first inning, then broke a 3-3 tie in the seventh with an RBI single to right field to score Freddy Galvis. He is expected to split the time roughly 50/50 with Cody Asche at third base. In his first 20 major league plate appearances, Franco is slashing .211/.200/.263 with three RBI. Tue, Sep 9, 2014 10:07:00 PM

Maikel Franco will bat second Tuesday against the Pirates.

He'll move up in the order with Jimmy Rollins sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Franco is batting .133 (2-for-15) with two RBI over his first four games in the majors. Tue, Sep 9, 2014 03:01:00 PM

Maikel Franco is not in the Phillies' starting lineup on Wednesday afternoon against the Braves.

Franco drove in a run with a sacrifice fly Tuesday in his major league debut but he'll be on the bench for Wednesday's matinee. The top third base prospect is expected to get 50-60 at-bats down the stretch. He's capable of carrying fantasy value in leagues that allow for daily lineup changes. Wed, Sep 3, 2014 09:52:00 AM

Depth Charts

Chase Utley won't appear in any spring games this week due to lingering ankle soreness.

Utley suffered a mild right ankle sprain during a workout in January and the Phillies are easing him along in camp. The 36-year-old second baseman is not yet in danger of missing any regular-season action. He should only need around 40-50 at-bats in the Grapefruit League.

Cliff Lee (elbow) is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday against the Astros.

The 36-year-old southpaw came into camp a bit behind schedule but felt good after throwing live batting practice on Wednesday. As long as he makes it through the spring healthy and exhibits normal velocity, he'll make for a very popular rebound candidate in fantasy drafts.